NEW YORK (AP) - NBC Universal Television announced a restructuring Thursday to make Jeff Zucker, the former "Today" show producer who has made a rapid climb up the corporate ladder, chief executive behind company chairman Bob Wright. The changes give Zucker the inside track to eventually replace Wright, 62, who has led NBC since 1986. Wright became head of the new media conglomerate when NBC merged with Universal entertainment.
Executives who once reported to Wright will now report to Zucker—including Randy Falco, who as president of NBC Universal has largely run the company's business side; NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol; and Jay Ireland, who ran the NBC-owned television stations.
Zucker will oversee NBC, including its entertainment, news and sports divisions, and cable networks like CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Bravo and Sci Fi.
Beth Comstock, who used to run NBC's public relations department before moving to General Electric Co. as an executive, returns to NBC Universal as president of digital media and market development.
NBC has struggled in prime time this season, after finishing its first-ever fourth place in the ratings among young viewers last season, and Wright said the reorganization is partly designed to expedite a recovery.
"We don't have any patience for it at all," Wright said of the prime- time showing. "It's not easy. When you lose momentum it's hard to regain it and there's a huge effort to get that back."
Zucker was the longtime "Today" executive producer before becoming head of NBC entertainment. He then was promoted again, giving him greater responsibility over the network.
Falco was appointed president and chief operating officer of the company in the restructuring.
The changes do not effect the Univeral film studio and theme park, Wright said.
